Zhigang (Zak) Fang, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, received the “Distinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy” award from the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) for his outstanding career achievements. Learn more about Fang’s life of invention here: https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/life-of-invention/

MPIF President John F. Sweet presented the award, established in 1968, at the International Conference on Powder Metallurgy & Particulate Materials in Phoenix, Arizona. MPIF is the trade association for the North American metal powder and particulate materials producing and consuming industries.

The award recognizes professionals who have devoted a major part of their careers to one or more segments of the powder metallurgy industry and whose contributions and achievements deserve special recognition.

Fang is a world-renowned expert in the cemented carbides and titanium industries. He serves as a member of the APMI International’s International Journal of Powder Metallurgy Editorial Review Committee and has been an organizer of the Journal’s Focus issues. He has been a mainstay at MPIF conferences, serving on program committees, organizing special interest programs, and acting as a speaker on numerous topics. He has authored nearly 200 publications and is credited as the sole or co-inventor on 50 patents. Fang currently serves as the editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials. He is a fellow of APMI International, ASM International, and the National Academy of Inventors.

Powder metallurgy is an advanced metalworking process that forms metal powders into precision components used in applications such as automobile engines and transmissions, medical implants and surgical tools, hardware, industrial machinery, sporting goods, defense, and firearms. This innovative technology includes metal additive manufacturing (3D printing), the latest technology in a vibrant industry. More than 800 million pounds of powder metallurgy parts are made annually in North America.

Effective July 1, the University of Utah’s departments of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Metallurgical Engineering (MET E) have merged into a single academic department administered jointly by the College of Engineering and College of Mines and Earth Sciences.